laparotomy

American  

[lap-uh-rot-uh-mee] / ˌlæp əˈrɒt ə mi /

noun

Surgery.

plural

laparotomies

1. incision through the abdominal wall.

2. incision into the loin, especially for access to the abdominal cavity.

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laparotomy British  

/ ˌlæpəˈrɒtəmɪ /

noun

1. surgical incision through the abdominal wall, esp to investigate the cause of an abdominal disorder

2. surgical incision into the loin

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Etymology

Origin of laparotomy

First recorded in 1875–80; laparo- + -tomy

Example Sentences

The medical records include a notation from a second surgeon that “the loop end of a laparotomy pad” had been found during a subsequent operation.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 15, 2023

Pope Francis had a laparotomy, a surgery that involves opening up the abdomen, and doctors also inserted some prosthetic mesh to strengthen his colon.

From Washington Times • Jun. 7, 2023

Pope Francis is undergoing a laparotomy, a surgery that involves opening up the abdomen to expose internal organs, and doctors planned to insert a prosthesis while he was under general anesthesia.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 7, 2023

"In the early afternoon he will undergo a laparotomy and abdominal wall surgery... under general anaesthesia," said Mr Bruni.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2023

"Only yesterday," he persisted, "I did a laparotomy on a man who had only one chance in a hundred of pulling through—and I—I scolded him for fighting off his ether cone,—scolded him—I tell you!"

From The White Linen Nurse by Abbott, Eleanor Hallowell